Stiles, NDP call for public investigation to stop corruption in GTHL youth hockey

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, joined Sports & Tourism critic Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines) to call on the provincial government to launch a public investigation into allegations of corruption in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).

This morning, TSN reporting revealed how a prospective buyer was coached through the process of buying a GTHL team. He was given instructions on how to deceive the GTHL about the nature of the transaction and how to avoid paying taxes on a not-for-profit organization. Players in the GTHL are between 9 and 18 years old.

“I am calling on the government to open a public investigation into this cash-for-access culture in the GTHL,” said Stiles. “The GTHL is supposed to be a place where children can play the sport they love and turn that love into a career with the NHL if they have the talent. Today’s report suggests that the game can be rigged by wealthy parents who can give opportunities to kids who can afford it.”

The GTHL is a significant pipeline to the NHL.

“Hockey is part of the Canadian identity, as are our values of fairness, inclusion, and accessibility,” Stevens said. “It is our responsibility to make sure that we remove barriers for any child who has the talent to play amateur competitive hockey but whose family cannot afford to buy a spot on the roster.”

The Ontario NDP are calling for a public investigation into these serious allegations, and for the government to close any loopholes that may be allowing numbered shell companies to buy and sell non-profits and avoid paying taxes.

Quotes

Akim Aliu, former NHL player and the Chair of the Hockey Diversity Alliance

“This should be a non-partisan issue – every kid deserves an equal chance of chasing their NHL dreams with heart and talent. Making hockey accessible to everyone starts by ensuring that youth hockey leagues like the GTHL are based on skill, not the size of your parent’s wallet. By getting to the bottom of these allegations, we can start to change hockey culture for the better, and make sure our most talented kids are achieving their NHL dreams. I am calling for an investigation to bring transparency and accountability to the GTHL.”